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Wednesday, March 30, 2011

I’m just going to come right out and say it rather than beat around the bush.

Today I came home to this.

Yes, this is what you think it is. It’s a fishing rod with a birdfeeder attached at the end – and it’s the newest weapon in my husband’s ongoing war against the squirrel population in our backyard.

He has foiled them completely with the feeders that he strung on the wiring. See {this post} if you’re new here.

But the feeder that hangs from the house has been an ongoing issue. Sometimes I cannot believe how adept the little critters can be when it comes to getting the seed from the feeders. It doesn’t matter how slippery something is, they will keep at it until one of them figures it out.

And then they’re all over it.

This used to be a nice rod that my husband used mainly to surf fish. But it’s about 25 years old, and the cork on the handle is wearing and oh what the hey – let’s use it as a pole and attach the bird feeder to it.

I’ll tell you what . . . I secretly think it looks a heck of a lot better than the mop handle that was previously in its spot.

Don’t you?

George agrees. At least I think he does.

: : :

Another photography assignment over at Pioneer Woman’s site. This time it’s ‘Horses’, a subject near and dear to my heart. But a subject I haven’t photographed for nearly three years, since my husband stopped being able to work. He was in equestrian management all of his adult life, specifically in Thoroughbred horse breeding and we lived on horse farms since our early 20’s.

Taken in the paddock off our side yard in March 2008, I could usually go right up to the mares and foals as long as I was quiet.

Of course, the competition is crazy fierce on the Flickr group, as it always is in PW’s assignments. But I enjoy looking at the entries. And I’m especially looking forward to seeing all of them in this particular category.

46 comments:

I know someone who would recoil at seeing a fine old rod used this way but it's as good a squirrel-deterrent as any I've seen. Clever idea. They're tenacious little things, aren't they? Gorgeous equine photo. :)

My wife has so many feeders hanging in the sucker maple tree outside our bedroom window that I've christened it Burd Town. Some mornings there are so many birds singing in that tree that I swear it's going to take flight! Even though there are several squirrel nests in the trees on the ridge behind the house I've never seen a squirrel in our yard. Deer, turkey, raccoons, chipmunks, the occasional fox, a coyote now and then but no squirrels. We have had a black bear raiding the suet feeders.

your husband has the persistence of Bill Murray in Caddyshack in his war against the gopher! And I do need to say that he is coming very close (but has NOT crossed the line yet) to be a line in "you might be a redneck if....." He'd have to be using some duct tape to fully fit that bill. HA! Love his ingenuity!

What will he think of next lol not a dull moment with him I take it lol I think its funny, sorry but I do lol Love your photos, your horse photo is beautiful. Miggy says hello to George. Have a good day !

Your horse photos are so gorgeous, if at least one if them isn't at least mentioned over at Pioneer Woman, I will know for sure not all the entries are actually looked at. There, I feel better! That fishing rod...LOVE that fishing rod!

Give that husband of yours an A+ for creativity! As you said, the squirrels will eventually "figure it out", so tell your husband to be working on Plan B, Plan C, Plan D, Plan E and so on. Great shot of the foal--I'm a horse lover too-such beautiful animals. Have a terrific day. Mickie :)

Hahaha, I think your husband is a genius, a real McGyver type like my Captain...the things that man comes up with amaze me!! I guess we should be grateful we are living with such clever fellows!! Your horse photo is beautiful and yes, the competition is fierce with PW's assignments, but it's amazing to see the talent out there, one walks away from her site very humbled....Have a great evening Kate!

Hahaha, I think your husband is a genius, a real McGyver type like my Captain...the things that man comes up with amaze me!! I guess we should be grateful we are living with such clever fellows!! Your horse photo is beautiful and yes, the competition is fierce with PW's assignments, but it's amazing to see the talent out there, one walks away from her site very humbled....Have a great evening Kate!

My name is Kate. I live in Maryland with a border collie named George in an old manor house that predates the Revolutionary War. I began this blog in 2007 to share my photography with my family and friends. Welcome.

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